Eating Las Vegas author and legendary bon vivant Al Mancini responds:
That’s an excellent question. Flights are probably the best way for newcomers to a particular spirit to learn about it, while at the same time providing serious fans a way to sample the subtle differences in them. Before I get into my favorite places in Las Vegas for flights, you’ll want to keep in mind two basic terms: vertical and horizontal. (While these originate in the wine world, people often use them in to discuss other types of flights.)
For wine, a vertical flight includes wines of the same type produced in the same winery during different years. They’re meant to show off the differences in grapes from year to year. A horizontal flight refers to wines of the same type made in the same year, but in different vineyards. This same base distinction between sampling beverages of different ages from the same producer vs. beverages of the same age form different producers applies to most spirit flights you’ll come across.
So, where do I like to go for flights? Well you already know about the great Scotch flights at Craftsteak (see QoD 2/9/2012), but you may also want to look into their cognac and wine tastings.
If you’re a tequila drinker my two favorite spots are Diego in The MGM Grand and Agave on the west side (10820 West Charleston Blvd). At Diego, they offer three vertical flights, each of which offers one ounce each of silver/blanco (young), reposado (rested at least six months) and anaejo (aged at least a year) from a single producer. They also offer two horizontal flights of silver tequilas, two of reposados and two of anaejos from various producers. The prices range from $22 - $28 per flight. Or you can splurge for a trio of super-premium samples for $125. Finally, you can create your own mescal flight for $25.
In the meantime, out in the ‘burbs, Agave offers more than 100 different types of tequila and mezcal. They offer six pre-selected flights, or you can create your own. (Prices vary.) You can even join their tequila club, and every time you visit they’ll keep track of which bottles you’ve sampled. Make it through all of them and you’ll receive a bottle of premium tequila to take home with you.
If you’re a premium sake fan (the good stuff you usually drink cold, not heated), Shibuya in the MGM Grand has over 50 varieties. Many are available only by the glass or carafe, but they offer a great flight of four for $27.
If beer is more your thing, check out B.J.’s Brewhouse (10840 West Charleston Blvd. or 5881 Centenniel Center Blvd.). The chain restaurant offers a large selection of craft beers, and you can get a flight of up to seven five-ounce servings at a very reasonable price.
Finally, for something completely different head to Siro in Aria. There, Chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia creates his own seasonal "cellos." They always include the classic Italian lemon-flavored liquor. But he also loves to whip up "berrycello," "trufflecello," "chocolatecello" and "tangerinecello." You can sample three for $25, which includes an assortment of petit fours.
